An assessment of alternatives for a national computerized criminal history system

Abstract

A national CCH system could be designed in two ways: (1) criminal history records for all offenders could be stored in a central national repository; (2) a national repository could be limited to records of Federal offenders, with State records stored in State repositories. Most experts favor the latter, with only Federal offender records and an index to State offenders (the Interstate Identification Index or III) maintained at the national level along with a national fingerprint file on serious criminal offenders. A national CCH system providing complete, timely, and verifiable information will improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, particularly criminal investigations and bail decisions. The system could have important implications for employment and licensure, Federal-State relationships, and civil and constitutional rights, as well as public safety and the administration of justice. Implementation of any national CCH system would raise a number of issues requiring congressional attention; legislation should address access, review, and challenge procedures as well as criminal penalties, privacy standards, and other issues. The report also discusses current use of various systems (Ident, the National Crime Information Center, etc.), including sample records, cost data, and computer technologies used. Footnotes, data tables, and illustrations are included. Appendixes present a discussion of NCIC's 'hot files,' lists of State officials responding to a user survey, and an index.